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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes_04-30-2024Page 1 of 7 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES COMMUNITY ROOM – 100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE APRIL 30, 2024 REGULAR MEETING – 5 P.M. I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER– 5:01 p.m. II. WELCOME AND ROLL CALL Present: Co-Chair Jeremy Evans (left early at 6:06 p.m. due to a conflict) and Co-Chair Arlene Greer Staff: Acting Deputy Community Development Director Jaime Murillo and Principal Planner Ben Zdeba Committee Members: Nicholas Acevedo, Dennis Baker, James Carlson, Annie Clougherty, Susan DeSantis, David Guder, Lynn Hackman, Laird Hayes, Charles Klobe, Ruth Kobayashi, Anthony Maniscalchi, Thomas Meng, Jim Mosher, Maxwell Pearson, Robert Rader, Amber Snider, Debbie Stevens, Paul Watkins, and Lori Williams Absent: Curtis Black, Matthew Brady, Jeff Cefalia, Scott Laidlaw, Katie Love, Harrison Rolfes, Nancy Scarbrough, Graham Wahlberg, and Christy Walker III. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS - None IV. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Meeting Minutes of March 20, 2024 Motion made by Committee Member Dennis Baker and seconded by Committee Member Jim Carlson to approve the meeting minutes of March 20, 2024, with Committee Member Jim Mosher’s edits. The motion carried with Co-Chair Jeremy Evans abstaining and Committee Member Ruth Kobayashi opposing. b. Recreation/Natural Resources Subcommittee Recap The Recreation/Natural Resources Subcommittee met on Wednesday, April 10, to review the Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Reports for both the Recreation Element and Natural Resources Element. Subcommittee Chair Klobe provided an overview of the Subcommittee’s discussions and any actions. Attachment 2 included a cover memo, action minutes from the Subcommittee meetings, the PowerPoints displayed at the meeting, and Dudek’s report. Recommended Actions: 1- Receive an overview from the GPAC Recreation/Natural Resources Subcommittee; 2- Provide any feedback on the Subcommittee’s efforts; and General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting April 30, 2024 Page 2 of 7 3- Receive and file Attachment 2 to continue guiding the initial outreach efforts. Subcommittee Chair Klobe directed the GPAC to review the comprehensive report and then solicited comments. Consultant Elizabeth Dickson of Dudek used a presentation to review the function and importance of the background analysis and process for GPAC feedback. She outlined the Recreation Element Analysis overview, key findings, and outreach and policy considerations. Committee Member Baker thought that wildlife and plant migration is scant and requires clarification of the annual migration of flying critters, slow moving plants, and invasives, such as Canadian Geese. Committee Member Mosher expressed concern for the impact on private views from new development and the City’s ongoing commitment to development and land values. In response to Committee Member Lynn Hackman’s concern for accessibility to equitable recreation and open space by the residents, Ms. Dickson noted a map used for a walk analysis that shows walking distances in minutes on sidewalks and roadways, number of parks in the City, and a map in the packet that identifies areas that may not have enough parks within walking distance for surrounding residents. She noted further support is needed through community outreach and engagement and opportunities for increased park access from parking. Subcommittee Chair Klobe referred to Committee Member Mosher’s comments on page 3 regarding Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers and noted an inconsistency in the population growth and housing needs as per the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG’s). Committee Member David Guder questioned the pollutant types impacting air quality on agenda packet page 27 and inquired about the mineral extraction activity prohibited by the City’s Charter as referenced at the bottom of that page. In response to Committee Member Susan DeSantis’ inquiry, Ms. Dickson relayed that Crystal Cove State Park and Marine Conservation Area are incorporated into the analysis. Committee Member DeSantis expressed concern for conservation efforts and Ms. Dickson made a note of it for consideration. Ms. Dickson noted specific concerns for air quality in Section 4.1 and offered to review it. In response to Committee Member Carlson’s inquiry, Ms. Dickson stated that the John Wayne View Park is included in the analysis. In response to Committee Member Guder’s inquiries, Ms. Dickson stated that she will investigate the ownership of the runoff sand and its inclusion in the plan. Committee Member Ruth Kobayashi acknowledged large population growth projections in her age bracket and older. She inquired about associated parks and recreation needs and efforts to attract young people to live in the City. General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting April 30, 2024 Page 3 of 7 In response to Committee Member Nicholas Acevedo’s inquiry about private partnerships, Ms. Dickson noted conversations with the Subcommittee about park fees and dedications associated with development, opportunities for a private park to be open to the public through agreements with the City, and joint use agreements with schools. Committee Member DeSantis noted the population projections by age that show significant increases in seniors, transportation services, considerations for a broader understanding of senior needs for parks and recreation, and accommodating facilities, like OASIS. c. Noise Subcommittee Recap The GPAC Noise Subcommittee met for the first time on Tuesday, April 24 to identify a chairperson and to start the conversation surrounding noise and what it means for Newport Beach. GPAC Committee Member Jim Mosher was identified as the Chair of this Subcommittee and will provide an overview of the Subcommittee’s discussion. Attachment 3 included a cover memo and action minutes from the Subcommittee meeting. Recommended Actions: 1- Receive an overview from the GPAC Noise Subcommittee; 2- Provide any feedback on the Subcommittee’s efforts; and 3- Receive and file Attachment 3 to continue guiding the initial outreach efforts. Principal Planner Ben Zdeba noted that this was the first meeting of the Noise Subcommittee. He noted that the intention was to get the conversation started and that there is no background analysis. Subcommittee Chair Mosher noted the Noise Element is not included in the Dudek contract, purpose to address all noise concerns impacting the community, State requirements for planning, contours, projections, detailed State revision guidelines, outreach questions to survey concerns, and policy list, matrix, and review process. In response to Committee Member Baker’s inquiry, Subcommittee Chair Mosher reviewed the State guideline steps to guide Noise Element updates. In response to Committee Member Debbie Stevens’ inquiry, Subcommittee Chair Jim Mosher stated that the noise contours that were adopted as future noise contours were taken from the environmental impact report (EIR) from the last amendment and settlement agreement adopted in 2014. Committee Member Debbie Stevens shared her belief that the contours need to be updated. In response to Committee Member Paul Watkins’ inquiry, Principal Planner Ben Zdeba stated that the kennels off Riverside Drive are in a unique residential kennel zone. He added that they have capacity limits controlled by the Newport Beach Police Department. He acknowledged that the block is a known area of interest regarding noise issues. Committee Member Klobe asked for the additional noise from faster moving traffic speed between Dover and Santa Ana River in Mariner’s Mile be considered. In response to Committee Member Carlson’s concern for the noise created by private jets at the airport, Subcommittee Chair Mosher recognized the impacts from aviation and General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting April 30, 2024 Page 4 of 7 stated they will be included in the outreach questions and the settlement agreement does not include a restriction on the number of private aircraft. Committee Member Anthony Maniscalchi noted the standards for commercial aircraft and stated that they are quiet versus private jets that are louder and are looked at with the same concerns. In response to Committee Member David Guder, Principal Planner Zdeba relayed who handles noise complaints. He stated that he will compile complaint data for review at the next Subcommittee meeting. d. Arts and Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee Recap The GPAC Arts and Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee met on Tuesday, April 24 to review the Arts and Cultural Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Report. Subcommittee Chair Greer provided an overview of the Subcommittee’s discussion and any actions. Attachment 4 included a cover memo, action minutes from the Subcommittee meetings, the PowerPoints displayed at the meeting, and Dudek’s revised draft of the report. The Subcommittee is concurrently reviewing the revised version virtually alongside this agenda posting. If the Subcommittee accepts the changes are accurate, additional materials will be distributed to the full GPAC confirming their acceptance and support of the report moving forward. Recommended Actions: 1- Receive an overview from the GPAC Arts and Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee; 2- Provide any feedback on the Subcommittee’s efforts; and 3- Receive and file Attachment 4, including any subsequent additional materials provided, to continue guiding the initial outreach efforts. Ms. Dickson utilized a presentation to provide a high-level overview, key findings, and outreach and policy considerations. Subcommittee Chair Greer directed the GPAC to the action minutes on pages 170 and 171 and noted an interest in increased engagement with resources for art, partnerships, and culture in the City to avoid losing another museum collection. She relayed the talking points from the Subcommittee meeting that included providing more social media, finding out what’s going on in other cities, increasing the master plan for arts and culture, potential grant funding, revitalizing the website and providing give and take input, programming, alternative funding opportunities, youth activities, Policy I-9 and I-11, guidelines for the acceptance of art, and increased publicity to connect the people with art resources. Committee Member DeSantis complimented Subcommittee Chair Greer’s report and encouraged other Subcommittee chairs to provide insightful conversations, supported the 2014 Arts and Culture Master Plan, thought the Subcommittee meeting did not include much talk about culture, provided examples of Pacific Symphony’s cultural activities, and suggested forming a proposal for culture within the General Plan Update from the 2014 Master Plan. Subcommittee Chair Greer concurred that more needs to be done with culture, stated that the goals and objectives under the Master Plan were developed by Committee Members versus the consultant, suggested Ms. Dickson include culture in the General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting April 30, 2024 Page 5 of 7 Dudek report, commended contributors for the work done so far, and acknowledged much more work to do. Committee Member Watkins acknowledged Subcommittee Chair Greer’s knowledge of arts and culture and suggested making tentative or deleting the large 1200 seat performing art facility as a need. In response, Subcommittee Chair Greer stated that deleting the art facility is in the report since the City is constructing the Witte Lecture Hall. Subcommittee Chair Greer read the recommendations by the Subcommittee: 1- Delete all references to an art center and a larger facility. 2- Have the Arts and Cultural Element as a standalone element in the General Plan. 3- Establish an appropriately staffed person to support grant writing, public events, and a monthly art watch. Committee Member Baker noted displays in public facilities and athletic culture. Subcommittee Chair Greer expressed an interest in retaining the 2014 Arts and Culture Master Plan, adding to it, bringing art into all seven districts in the City, and having a public art plan. Committee Member Klobe suggested adjusting the $55,000 in funds for inflation since the amount has been the same for years. In response, Subcommittee Chair Greer expressed a desire for the City to consider adding additional funding for cultural art grants as per Policy I-10. In response to Committee Member Hackman’s question, Subcommittee Chair Greer stated that bringing back the provisions for development fees in Policy I-13 is included in the report from Dudek and recommended asking the City to consider adding Policy I-13 to the Arts and Culture plan. General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC) Chair Nancy Gardner suggested pursuing it after she includes it in her report to the City Council and it is received without any red flags and clarified that the GPAC can always include language of a policy that would be supportive without being specific about a rule. Subcommittee Chair Greer noted that the Dudek report includes exploring City policies for reaching arts and culture funding and growth. A discussion took place about language in the Newport Beach Arts Foundation bylaws that need to be changed to accommodate public and private partnerships. Committee Member Hackman suggested incorporating public art in private buildings and inquired about incorporating other art organizations. In response to Subcommittee Chair Greer’s inquiry, Principal Planner Zdeba emphasized that the information presented was meant to be a conversation starter and a comprehensive snapshot of existing conditions in the City and best practices. He encouraged moving the report forward to inform the outreach and engagement efforts and noted the GPAC is not limited to what is in the report. In response to Committee Member Guder’s question, Subcommittee Chair Greer explained City’s Arts Commission Policy I-9, 10, 11, and 13. Committee Member Klobe noted the public art program in the City of Brea. General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting April 30, 2024 Page 6 of 7 Committee Member Mosher expressed discomfort with drifting to conclusions before public outreach and questioned how to create an effective and guiding standalone element. In response, Subcommittee Chair Greer stated that the City Art’s Commission has bylaws and noted current and future collaborating efforts with the City. No committee members expressed opposition to the Subcommittee’s standalone element recommendation. GPUSC Chair Gardner suggested that this not be a final decision because it might be desirable for certain areas to connect or divide as more work is done. In response, Subcommittee Chair Greer agreed that the Subcommittee will keep this suggestion in mind. e. Presentation: Overview of Upcoming Deliverables and Objectives Dudek and Kearns & West shared more information about current work, upcoming deliverables, and what to expect in terms of next steps. Recommended Action: No action. Consultant Jenna Tourjé-Maldonado of Kearns & West used a presentation to review the pop-up events, website engagement, social media and ad engagement, a thank you to GPAC members in attendance at pop-up events, and next steps for engagement. Ms. Dickson reviewed the next steps for reports to Subcommittees, the additional analysis and diagnostic memo. Committee Member Stevens complimented the Kearns & West team for their involvement at the pop-up events and suggested having a representative at the events to talk about other City matters. Co-Chair Greer suggested adding the Newport Beach Historical Society’s Back and Forth event and Balboa Island Parade. In response, Ms. Tourjé-Maldonado agreed to bring them back to the Subcommittee. Committee Member Klobe asked that the diagnostic memo include the judge’s ruling on Senate Bill (SB) 9. Committee Members Carlson and Hackman complimented the consultants on the pop-up events. Co-Chair Greer thanked Dudek and Kearns & West for their work. In response to Committee Member Mosher’s inquiry, Ms. Tourjé-Maldonado relayed that the first outreach phase will include pop-ups, and the town hall workshops will address policy matters. Committee Member Mosher suggested updating the glossary section. Committee Member Annie Clougherty noted emailing the Subcommittee with specific go-to meetings and adding them to the agenda. Ms. Tourjé-Maldonado stated that the consultant will work with the Subcommittee to determine the next steps for go-to meetings. General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting April 30, 2024 Page 7 of 7 In response to Committee Member DeSantis’ suggestion, Committee Member Clougherty stated that Speak Up Newport is included on the go-to meeting list. Dudek representative, Ms. Dickson stated that the diagnostic memo will not address new housing bills, but will include legislation related to other elements, the process, and parallel aspects. In response to Committee Member DeSantis’ question, Principal Planner Zdeba stated that a doodle poll will be distributed shortly for upcoming Subcommittee meetings. GPUSC Chair Gardner explained the parameters for expanding participation in Subcommittee meetings to comply with the Brown Act for public meetings. V. COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Committee Member Klobe suggested a future agenda item for a presentation on a white paper report that was prepared with insights on how the City is allowing excess housing units under the current plan. GPUSC Chair Gardner asked if the GPAC wished to have her approach the Mayor about counting density bonus units in the overall number or having an overall number plus the bonus units on top of that. Acting Deputy Community Development Director Murillo explained State Density Bonus laws. Committee Members Stevens and DeSantis expressed support for approaching the Mayor, along with the rest of the GPAC by a show of hands. GPUSC Chair Gardner expressed her main concern for timing and wanted to make sure the Mayor is comfortable with the timeline. VI. ADJOURNMENT – With no further business, Co-Chair Greer adjourned the meeting until June 5 at 5 p.m. in the Community Room at City Hall.